About Me
- The Protraveller...
- Starting as a preschooler, I remember my Grandfather bringing me rocks from his trips he took after he retired. Each rock had a story to tell. In the sixth grade, I watched a freeway be built and then wondered where all the trucks would go. I remember in high school looking at the mountains and wanting to travel. I did many jobs BEFORE trucking but I always wondered what driving would by like. I really wanted to see things and drive a big truck. So after almost finishing nursing school, a divorce and three cute little kids, I became a truck driver. While earning a living, I found myself enjoying North America and seeing the land and people. NO ONE ENJOYED TRAVELING MORE THAN ME. There are two things I have enjoyed in this life and they are traveling and writing. I use to call myself "Protourist" but my Mother-in-law and Wife would become upset with me as they know I really love THE "travel" and not THE stopping to see things. I now call myself "protraveller"(I like it with a double "L") and my Mother-in-law and Wife are now happy!!! I love to write and this blog gives me the opportunity to share my past and thoughts with the public.
February 29, 2012
February 28, 2012
February 27, 2012
February 26, 2012
February 23, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-traveling south in Texas)
Heading toward San Antonio, Texas as my day started. Thought about stopping in San Antonio for fuel but my desire to get to Laredo was greater.
Heading toward San Antonio, Texas as my day started. Thought about stopping in San Antonio for fuel but my desire to get to Laredo was greater.
February 23, 2012
February 22, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Joplin, Missouri)
I was up at 4:30 AM CST and did my necessary paperwork, inspections, fueling(119 gallon) and daily checks with dispatch. I was leaving Joplin at 5 AM CST and headed for Oklahoma on I-44.
Got to Big Cabin, Oklahoma and went south on Hwy 69. I went all the way to the Atoka(Oklahom) Wal-Mart Store where I stopped for a break and shopping. Headed south over the Red River--now Hwy 75--into Texas and stayed south bound to Anna, Texas where I stopped for a couple hour nap.
Rested, I left the truckstop and headed south, through Dallas to Lancaster stopping at our terminal and again taking a nap. I was up by 7:30 PM CST fueling(58 gallons) and doing my paperwork.
I left the terminal at 8 PM CST and headed south toward Laredo on I-35. as my day ended at midnoight, I found myself about a half hour north of San Antonio(Texas)...
I was up at 4:30 AM CST and did my necessary paperwork, inspections, fueling(119 gallon) and daily checks with dispatch. I was leaving Joplin at 5 AM CST and headed for Oklahoma on I-44.
Got to Big Cabin, Oklahoma and went south on Hwy 69. I went all the way to the Atoka(Oklahom) Wal-Mart Store where I stopped for a break and shopping. Headed south over the Red River--now Hwy 75--into Texas and stayed south bound to Anna, Texas where I stopped for a couple hour nap.
Rested, I left the truckstop and headed south, through Dallas to Lancaster stopping at our terminal and again taking a nap. I was up by 7:30 PM CST fueling(58 gallons) and doing my paperwork.
I left the terminal at 8 PM CST and headed south toward Laredo on I-35. as my day ended at midnoight, I found myself about a half hour north of San Antonio(Texas)...
February 21, 2012
February 21, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Williamsburg, Iowa)
I woke up right after midnight--the start of my new day--and didn't feel tired at all. Thought about trying to go back to sleep but decided to keep moving. Followed I-80 west to Des Moines and I-35, which I took south.
Followed I -35 to claycomo, Missouri, getting there at 5:30 AM CST. I dropped my trailer and got an empty one. Our Kansas City terminal was far from this plant so I didn't call dispatch, just went to the terminal.
I didn't have a new load waiting for me so I went out to my tractor and went to bed. At 1 PM CST the terminal manager came out and woke me up; I had a load to Laredo, Texas.
I left the yard at 2PM CST and followed I-435 south to Hwy 71 south. Got to I-44 and went southwest a short distance to Joplin, Missouri where I stopped at our terminal at 2:15 PM CST. I was tired so I stayed there for the night...
I woke up right after midnight--the start of my new day--and didn't feel tired at all. Thought about trying to go back to sleep but decided to keep moving. Followed I-80 west to Des Moines and I-35, which I took south.
Followed I -35 to claycomo, Missouri, getting there at 5:30 AM CST. I dropped my trailer and got an empty one. Our Kansas City terminal was far from this plant so I didn't call dispatch, just went to the terminal.
I didn't have a new load waiting for me so I went out to my tractor and went to bed. At 1 PM CST the terminal manager came out and woke me up; I had a load to Laredo, Texas.
I left the yard at 2PM CST and followed I-435 south to Hwy 71 south. Got to I-44 and went southwest a short distance to Joplin, Missouri where I stopped at our terminal at 2:15 PM CST. I was tired so I stayed there for the night...
February 20, 2012
February 20, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Flint, Michigan)
Woke up and called dispatch for a load; got the typical, "call back in an hour". George--see yesterday--didn't seem awake, and since I was on the TRB before him, I didn't try to wake him up. Icalled back in 45 minutes and had a load to pickup in Bay City(Michigany by 10:30). George was still apparently sleeping when I left for Bay City at 8 AM EST; I left a note taped to his window....note: I never saw George again...
Found the shipper shortly after 9 AM EST and checked in. I was loaded with 34,670 lbs of auto parts by 10:15 AM EST and headed toward Kansas City, Missouri.
Down I-75 to I-69--at Flint(Michigan)-- and then south to I-94 west. I stopped at Benton Harbor for fuel(192 gallon) as I was getting low. Continued to Illinois where I continued west on I-80. Stopped for the night and for dinner at the restaurant I like south of the interstate highway...
Had dinner--the one pound steak dinner--and then watched a movie and then went to bed...
Woke up and called dispatch for a load; got the typical, "call back in an hour". George--see yesterday--didn't seem awake, and since I was on the TRB before him, I didn't try to wake him up. Icalled back in 45 minutes and had a load to pickup in Bay City(Michigany by 10:30). George was still apparently sleeping when I left for Bay City at 8 AM EST; I left a note taped to his window....note: I never saw George again...
Found the shipper shortly after 9 AM EST and checked in. I was loaded with 34,670 lbs of auto parts by 10:15 AM EST and headed toward Kansas City, Missouri.
Down I-75 to I-69--at Flint(Michigan)-- and then south to I-94 west. I stopped at Benton Harbor for fuel(192 gallon) as I was getting low. Continued to Illinois where I continued west on I-80. Stopped for the night and for dinner at the restaurant I like south of the interstate highway...
Had dinner--the one pound steak dinner--and then watched a movie and then went to bed...
February 19, 2012
February 19, 1992, 2012,
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-traveling in Indiana)
The start of of new day showed me heading north on I-69 south of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Kept my speed up and "zoomed" past Fort Wayne and into Michigan. As I got close to Lansing, the I-69 stetch wasn't finished but was "good" driving. Stayed on I-69 to Flint, getting to the receiver shortly after 4 AM EST. I had on a load of empty racks and had to "drop & hook".
Got another trailer--empty--and the guard told me of a place to park and wait...It was a restaurant with truck parking. I parked and got my paperwork all caught up before going in and calling dispatch. Before I went into the restaurant, another truck from my company pulled in next to me. We went into the restaurant and made out check calls and had breakfast. George--the other driver--and I had no loads all day. we walked around and talked with nothing discussed of any importance.
Went to sleep with hopes for a load tomorrow....
The start of of new day showed me heading north on I-69 south of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Kept my speed up and "zoomed" past Fort Wayne and into Michigan. As I got close to Lansing, the I-69 stetch wasn't finished but was "good" driving. Stayed on I-69 to Flint, getting to the receiver shortly after 4 AM EST. I had on a load of empty racks and had to "drop & hook".
Got another trailer--empty--and the guard told me of a place to park and wait...It was a restaurant with truck parking. I parked and got my paperwork all caught up before going in and calling dispatch. Before I went into the restaurant, another truck from my company pulled in next to me. We went into the restaurant and made out check calls and had breakfast. George--the other driver--and I had no loads all day. we walked around and talked with nothing discussed of any importance.
Went to sleep with hopes for a load tomorrow....
February 18, 2012
February 18, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Priceville, Alabama)
My appointment wasn't until 1 PM CST so I slept in and then cleaned up my "room" a little. Had me some ice cream and then headed for Athens, Alabama.
Got to the shipper at 11:45 AM CST and checked in with their shipping department. They had me back up to their dock and had me loaded by 1:30 PM CST. After calling dispatch I did my vehicle inspection and got all my paperwork catch up. I was heading for Flint, Michigan up I-65 by 2:00 PM CST.
After passing Nashville, Tennessee on still on I-65, I had to go over the Tennessee scales before leaving the state. A few minutes later I entered Kentucky and had to go over their scales. I had no problems with the scales and continued north. I stopped at Shepherdsville, Kentucky for some White Castle hamburgers and soda(soft drink in Canada). I took the food and drink with me and HIT the road.
I left Shepherdsville just a little abefore 8 PM EST and munched on my hamberburgers as I went. I took I-65 into Indiana and the lower--southeast--loop around Indianapolis to I-69. North on I-69, I met the end of my day while getting about 30 miles from Fort Wayne Indiana...
My appointment wasn't until 1 PM CST so I slept in and then cleaned up my "room" a little. Had me some ice cream and then headed for Athens, Alabama.
Got to the shipper at 11:45 AM CST and checked in with their shipping department. They had me back up to their dock and had me loaded by 1:30 PM CST. After calling dispatch I did my vehicle inspection and got all my paperwork catch up. I was heading for Flint, Michigan up I-65 by 2:00 PM CST.
After passing Nashville, Tennessee on still on I-65, I had to go over the Tennessee scales before leaving the state. A few minutes later I entered Kentucky and had to go over their scales. I had no problems with the scales and continued north. I stopped at Shepherdsville, Kentucky for some White Castle hamburgers and soda(soft drink in Canada). I took the food and drink with me and HIT the road.
I left Shepherdsville just a little abefore 8 PM EST and munched on my hamberburgers as I went. I took I-65 into Indiana and the lower--southeast--loop around Indianapolis to I-69. North on I-69, I met the end of my day while getting about 30 miles from Fort Wayne Indiana...
February 17, 2012
February 17, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Resaca, Georgia)
I was up and headed south on I-75 toward Atlanta where my final goal was Hapeville--inside the I-285 loop.
The law around Atlanta was for semis to stay on or outside the I-285 loop. I wanted to see inside the loop so I used the excess of delivering in Hapeville--inside the south side of the loop--to be inside it.
I truly enjoyed the drive inside the loop, even if darkness ruled the skies at that time. I found the plant that I had to deliver to and found that it was a "drop & hook". I turned my paperwork in and got my copies signed; called dispatch and was told to "call back in an hour".
I was just a few miles from our fuel stop south of the I-285 loop. I went to it and called back to dispatch four times before getting my next assignment to go to Athens, Alabama. I fueled while there and put on 132 gallons.
I was always wanting to get to the assigned area soon as possible so I was headed toward Buringham, Alabama by 3 PM EST. I took I-65 north when I got to Birmingham and stopped for the night at our fuelstop in Priceville, Alabama.
I always found this truckstops kitcken--open to shopper's sight--interesting and I would never eat from it!!! I usually eat ice cream & bagged potato chips from this place...
Camped out in my truck tonight and watched my TV until I went to sleep....
I was up and headed south on I-75 toward Atlanta where my final goal was Hapeville--inside the I-285 loop.
The law around Atlanta was for semis to stay on or outside the I-285 loop. I wanted to see inside the loop so I used the excess of delivering in Hapeville--inside the south side of the loop--to be inside it.
I truly enjoyed the drive inside the loop, even if darkness ruled the skies at that time. I found the plant that I had to deliver to and found that it was a "drop & hook". I turned my paperwork in and got my copies signed; called dispatch and was told to "call back in an hour".
I was just a few miles from our fuel stop south of the I-285 loop. I went to it and called back to dispatch four times before getting my next assignment to go to Athens, Alabama. I fueled while there and put on 132 gallons.
I was always wanting to get to the assigned area soon as possible so I was headed toward Buringham, Alabama by 3 PM EST. I took I-65 north when I got to Birmingham and stopped for the night at our fuelstop in Priceville, Alabama.
I always found this truckstops kitcken--open to shopper's sight--interesting and I would never eat from it!!! I usually eat ice cream & bagged potato chips from this place...
Camped out in my truck tonight and watched my TV until I went to sleep....
February 16, 2012
February 16, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Paducah, Kentucky)
I left Paducah a little before 10 AM CST headed southeast on I-24 toward Nashville, Tennessee. Traveled past Nashville and climbed over the mountains past Monteagle(Tennessee) and down to Chattanooga(Tennessee). In Chattanooga I took I-75 into Georgia and stopped at our fuel stop at Resaca, Georgia. The time was 4:30 PM EST and I didn't have to be in south Atlanta until tomorrow. I had dinner in the truckstop and decided to stay there for the night. Laid down and watched my TV.
I left Paducah a little before 10 AM CST headed southeast on I-24 toward Nashville, Tennessee. Traveled past Nashville and climbed over the mountains past Monteagle(Tennessee) and down to Chattanooga(Tennessee). In Chattanooga I took I-75 into Georgia and stopped at our fuel stop at Resaca, Georgia. The time was 4:30 PM EST and I didn't have to be in south Atlanta until tomorrow. I had dinner in the truckstop and decided to stay there for the night. Laid down and watched my TV.
February 15, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Kansas City, Missouri)
Left the terminal right after midnight to start my drive to Atlanta, Georgia. Traveled east on I-70 until I got to Kingdom City, Missouri where I stopped at "Just a Truckstop". I was feeling tired and this load didn't have to be in Atlanta until Monday. Bedded down and slept until 12:30 PM CST.
Since I wasn't far from Fulton(Missouri)--my home town--I decided to see if I had any mail in my Post Office Box. Yeap, I had mail but nothing of any interest.
I was back at the truck stop by 2 PM CST having a buffet lunch.
It was shortly after 3 PM CST that I left for Atlanta east on I-70. Went throught St. Louis into Illinois and caught I-64 east. At Mt Vernon, I took I-57 south to I-24. I entered Kentucky over the Ohio River and stopped at our fuel stop in Paducah(Kentucky) at Exit 3. Decided to bed down for the night and start the final leg of my journey tomorrow...
Left the terminal right after midnight to start my drive to Atlanta, Georgia. Traveled east on I-70 until I got to Kingdom City, Missouri where I stopped at "Just a Truckstop". I was feeling tired and this load didn't have to be in Atlanta until Monday. Bedded down and slept until 12:30 PM CST.
Since I wasn't far from Fulton(Missouri)--my home town--I decided to see if I had any mail in my Post Office Box. Yeap, I had mail but nothing of any interest.
I was back at the truck stop by 2 PM CST having a buffet lunch.
It was shortly after 3 PM CST that I left for Atlanta east on I-70. Went throught St. Louis into Illinois and caught I-64 east. At Mt Vernon, I took I-57 south to I-24. I entered Kentucky over the Ohio River and stopped at our fuel stop in Paducah(Kentucky) at Exit 3. Decided to bed down for the night and start the final leg of my journey tomorrow...
February 14, 2012
February 14, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-traveling in Ohio)
Traveling west in Ohio(I-70) heading toward Indiana; the 3/4 full moon guiding me as it shown brightly. I kept my spped up and didn't feel tired the whole night. With one short break in Illinois, I kept going--time violation-- and pulled into our Kansas City, Missouri Terminal just before 9:30 AM CST. Dispatch told me to just drop the load in the yard since it wasn't due at the Ford assembly plant until Monday. I did and laid down for a nap.
I woke up after dark and checked in with dispatch. They had a load for me...to Altanta, Georgia. Got my trailer and fueled(111 gallons). Got all my paperwork caught up and decided to wait and leave shortly after midnight... After I was ready to go, I just watched TV as there were no other drivers in the terminal truckers' lounge...
Traveling west in Ohio(I-70) heading toward Indiana; the 3/4 full moon guiding me as it shown brightly. I kept my spped up and didn't feel tired the whole night. With one short break in Illinois, I kept going--time violation-- and pulled into our Kansas City, Missouri Terminal just before 9:30 AM CST. Dispatch told me to just drop the load in the yard since it wasn't due at the Ford assembly plant until Monday. I did and laid down for a nap.
I woke up after dark and checked in with dispatch. They had a load for me...to Altanta, Georgia. Got my trailer and fueled(111 gallons). Got all my paperwork caught up and decided to wait and leave shortly after midnight... After I was ready to go, I just watched TV as there were no other drivers in the terminal truckers' lounge...
February 13, 2012
February 13, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Cleveland, Ohio)
I woke at the Cleveland Union Truckstop and went in and had breakfast(eggs, potatoes and sausage). I called dispatch and was given a load from Johnson Controls in Strongsville(Ohio). The load was going to the Ford Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Missouri; the problem is that the load has a pickup time of 6 PM EST.
I got over to Johnson Contrals as soon as I could but it didn't help with me getting my load. I got to walk around a little of the plant and found it interesting. Talked to shipping and they said it would be close to my pickup time before I could get my load. I helped move trailers around for awhile and then laid down for a rest and turned out to b a nap. I checked in with shipping again and was told they were waiting for a couple pieces. They finally got me out of there a 8 PM EST.
I headed down I-71 and stopped at our fuelstop in Berkshire(Ohio). I fueled(109 gallons) and got me a couple turkey legs to eat along the way. I continued on down to I-70 and went west told Indianapolis. My day ended with me passing I-75 on my way to Indiana...
I woke at the Cleveland Union Truckstop and went in and had breakfast(eggs, potatoes and sausage). I called dispatch and was given a load from Johnson Controls in Strongsville(Ohio). The load was going to the Ford Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Missouri; the problem is that the load has a pickup time of 6 PM EST.
I got over to Johnson Contrals as soon as I could but it didn't help with me getting my load. I got to walk around a little of the plant and found it interesting. Talked to shipping and they said it would be close to my pickup time before I could get my load. I helped move trailers around for awhile and then laid down for a rest and turned out to b a nap. I checked in with shipping again and was told they were waiting for a couple pieces. They finally got me out of there a 8 PM EST.
I headed down I-71 and stopped at our fuelstop in Berkshire(Ohio). I fueled(109 gallons) and got me a couple turkey legs to eat along the way. I continued on down to I-70 and went west told Indianapolis. My day ended with me passing I-75 on my way to Indiana...
February 12, 2012
February 12, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Willoughby, Ohio)
I delivered my load and was empty by 8:15 PM EST. Called dispatch and was told that I should get out of the Cleveland today sometime.
I wasn't far from the Union Truckstop and so I went there to wait. I kept waiting all day and ended up sleeping there the night...
I delivered my load and was empty by 8:15 PM EST. Called dispatch and was told that I should get out of the Cleveland today sometime.
I wasn't far from the Union Truckstop and so I went there to wait. I kept waiting all day and ended up sleeping there the night...
February 11, 2012
February 11, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-McLean, Iliinois)
The day starts and I am doing my laundry at the Dixie Truckstop. Couldn't sleep so what the heck, I decided to do something other than just lay there.
I got done with my laundry shortly after 1:30 AM CST and laid down to try and sleep agian. I guess I dozed a little but I was up and awake again at 3:30 AM CST.
I headed for Cleveland(Ohio) on the back roads as the interstates seems less direst. I traveled up I-55 to Hwy 24 where I headed east across county. I went into Indiana and continued east to Hwy 24 to Huntington(Indiana). I got on Hwy 224 east into Ohio and kept going to I-71 at our fuelstop in Sevelle, Ohio.
Followed I-71 northeast to I-271 and then to I-90 where I found the receiver of this load in Willoughby....The place was closed so I found a parking space and settled in for the night...
The day starts and I am doing my laundry at the Dixie Truckstop. Couldn't sleep so what the heck, I decided to do something other than just lay there.
I got done with my laundry shortly after 1:30 AM CST and laid down to try and sleep agian. I guess I dozed a little but I was up and awake again at 3:30 AM CST.
I headed for Cleveland(Ohio) on the back roads as the interstates seems less direst. I traveled up I-55 to Hwy 24 where I headed east across county. I went into Indiana and continued east to Hwy 24 to Huntington(Indiana). I got on Hwy 224 east into Ohio and kept going to I-71 at our fuelstop in Sevelle, Ohio.
Followed I-71 northeast to I-271 and then to I-90 where I found the receiver of this load in Willoughby....The place was closed so I found a parking space and settled in for the night...
February 10, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-Maryville, Kansas)
I was up early today and headed for Blue Rapids for my pick up. I wasn't really impressed with this chemical company, but who said I had to be. They had my load ready for me in 50 pound bags; 41,000 pounds of them. After I was loaded, they let me weigh on there scale but I wasn't convinced that there weighing was correct.
I left Blue Rapids and went back to Hwy 36 in Maryville. Went west into Missouri and got a certified weight. I turned out OK... Continued east through Missouri on Hwy 36, crossing into Illinois at Hannibal, Missouri.
Continued east on Hwy 36(I-72 not a formal interstate yet) to Springfield(Illinois) and then north on I-55. Stopped at the Dixie Truckstop at McLean, Illinois. I fueled(142 gallons) and had dinner. Tried to sleep but couldn't. As my day was ending at midnight, I found myself doing my laundry at the truckstop....
I was up early today and headed for Blue Rapids for my pick up. I wasn't really impressed with this chemical company, but who said I had to be. They had my load ready for me in 50 pound bags; 41,000 pounds of them. After I was loaded, they let me weigh on there scale but I wasn't convinced that there weighing was correct.
I left Blue Rapids and went back to Hwy 36 in Maryville. Went west into Missouri and got a certified weight. I turned out OK... Continued east through Missouri on Hwy 36, crossing into Illinois at Hannibal, Missouri.
Continued east on Hwy 36(I-72 not a formal interstate yet) to Springfield(Illinois) and then north on I-55. Stopped at the Dixie Truckstop at McLean, Illinois. I fueled(142 gallons) and had dinner. Tried to sleep but couldn't. As my day was ending at midnight, I found myself doing my laundry at the truckstop....
February 9, 2012
February 9, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Maryville, Kansas)
Stayed in motel room today typing, writing and watching TV.....
Stayed in motel room today typing, writing and watching TV.....
February 8, 2012
February 8, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Norton, Kansas)
Simple day; traveled east on Hwy 36 and ended up in Maryville, Kansas after going down to Blue Rapids and finding the pickup location. Nothing in Blue Rapids so went back to Maryville and got a motel room through Monday morning...
Simple day; traveled east on Hwy 36 and ended up in Maryville, Kansas after going down to Blue Rapids and finding the pickup location. Nothing in Blue Rapids so went back to Maryville and got a motel room through Monday morning...
February 7, 2012
February 7, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Friday-Bennett, Colorado)
I was up and left the Bennett truckstop by 6:30 AM MST. The traffic was there but minimal. The directions I had were "right on" and finding the GNB battery warehouse was no problem. I was totally unloaded and calling into dispatch by 9 AM MST.
Dispatch had a load for me at my first call....deadhead to Blue Rapids, Kansas to pick up a load of chemicals Monday to the Cleveland area. I decided to leave immediately. I left westbound on I-70 and stopped at our fuelstop in Bennett, Colorado for fuel(108 gallons). Shortly after leaving Bennett, I came to Byers(Colorado) and decided to take Hwy 36 east. I got on Hwy 36 and decided to pull over on the highway and look at my map. I did and looked at the towns coming up. I wanted to get some packing materials for mailing the T-shirts I had bought for some of the kids I knew. Note: The towns I passed before I got to Kansas didn't even have the populations to support a small store.
As I was sitting there, a driver driving a PST truck went by and shouted out on the CB radio asking if I was OK. I said I was ans we ran with each other into Kansas. We had a great time chit-chating back and forth. We got into Kansas and the PST driver needed to go south. I said "bye" and he said "Bye JIM". I ALWAYS CALLED MYSELF "PT" AND NEVER USED "JIM". As he was going out of CB radio range, I asked how he knew my first name was "Jim". His last words were, after a little chuckle, "I tell you later" and then he was gone...
Got to Norton, Kansas and called it a day. Found a convenient store with truck parking and parked for the night....
I was up and left the Bennett truckstop by 6:30 AM MST. The traffic was there but minimal. The directions I had were "right on" and finding the GNB battery warehouse was no problem. I was totally unloaded and calling into dispatch by 9 AM MST.
Dispatch had a load for me at my first call....deadhead to Blue Rapids, Kansas to pick up a load of chemicals Monday to the Cleveland area. I decided to leave immediately. I left westbound on I-70 and stopped at our fuelstop in Bennett, Colorado for fuel(108 gallons). Shortly after leaving Bennett, I came to Byers(Colorado) and decided to take Hwy 36 east. I got on Hwy 36 and decided to pull over on the highway and look at my map. I did and looked at the towns coming up. I wanted to get some packing materials for mailing the T-shirts I had bought for some of the kids I knew. Note: The towns I passed before I got to Kansas didn't even have the populations to support a small store.
As I was sitting there, a driver driving a PST truck went by and shouted out on the CB radio asking if I was OK. I said I was ans we ran with each other into Kansas. We had a great time chit-chating back and forth. We got into Kansas and the PST driver needed to go south. I said "bye" and he said "Bye JIM". I ALWAYS CALLED MYSELF "PT" AND NEVER USED "JIM". As he was going out of CB radio range, I asked how he knew my first name was "Jim". His last words were, after a little chuckle, "I tell you later" and then he was gone...
Got to Norton, Kansas and called it a day. Found a convenient store with truck parking and parked for the night....
February 6, 2012
February 6, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Thursday-Kansas City, Missouri)
I was in the drivers' lounge waiting for a load by 8:30 AM CST. It was at 9 AM CST that I was called to the dispatch window with 5 other drivers. I was the fifth of the 6 drivers to get A choice of loads. I took the load to Denver, Colorado. I talked with a couple of the drivers who chose before me. They thought the load I picked was a load of tires; it was a load of auto batteries. I had to go to Lavenworth, Kansas to get the load. The load was waiting for me when I got there. I was on my way to Denver by 11 AM CST.
Traveled out of Lavenworth on Hwy 7 to I-70 west. Went through the toll road potion of Kansas, through Topeka and on west on I-70. I got to Hays, Kansas around 3:30 PM CST and decided to have lunch/dinner at the out the interstate buffet. After dinner I walked over to the Wal-Mart and found really cute t-shirts(pictures of either a parrot or bear cub and the saying "we bad" on it). Got 6 shirts for 6 kids I knew: 2 in Carlsbad, 2 in Laredo and 2 in Fulton)
Left Hays and continued west. I got to Bennett, Colorado and stopped at the truckstop there for the night at 9 PM MST...
I was in the drivers' lounge waiting for a load by 8:30 AM CST. It was at 9 AM CST that I was called to the dispatch window with 5 other drivers. I was the fifth of the 6 drivers to get A choice of loads. I took the load to Denver, Colorado. I talked with a couple of the drivers who chose before me. They thought the load I picked was a load of tires; it was a load of auto batteries. I had to go to Lavenworth, Kansas to get the load. The load was waiting for me when I got there. I was on my way to Denver by 11 AM CST.
Traveled out of Lavenworth on Hwy 7 to I-70 west. Went through the toll road potion of Kansas, through Topeka and on west on I-70. I got to Hays, Kansas around 3:30 PM CST and decided to have lunch/dinner at the out the interstate buffet. After dinner I walked over to the Wal-Mart and found really cute t-shirts(pictures of either a parrot or bear cub and the saying "we bad" on it). Got 6 shirts for 6 kids I knew: 2 in Carlsbad, 2 in Laredo and 2 in Fulton)
Left Hays and continued west. I got to Bennett, Colorado and stopped at the truckstop there for the night at 9 PM MST...
February 5, 2012
February 5, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Wednesday-Joplin, Missouri)
I was woken up at 2 AM CST with the word that my tractor was finished with the repairs. I parked the tractor in the tractor parking area and went back to sleep until 5 AM CST.
Went into the truckers' lounge and waited for somewhere to go. At 9:30 AM CST dispatch gave me a "bad" load. I had to deadhead to Lamar(Missouri), where I found the load NOT ready. When I got it to the address I was directed to, I was told that it was the wrong address and no one knew the right place it needed to go. I called the Kansas City terminal and was told to bring it to our terminal yard and drop it....
I got on the TRB but I won't be going out until tomorrow....
I was woken up at 2 AM CST with the word that my tractor was finished with the repairs. I parked the tractor in the tractor parking area and went back to sleep until 5 AM CST.
Went into the truckers' lounge and waited for somewhere to go. At 9:30 AM CST dispatch gave me a "bad" load. I had to deadhead to Lamar(Missouri), where I found the load NOT ready. When I got it to the address I was directed to, I was told that it was the wrong address and no one knew the right place it needed to go. I called the Kansas City terminal and was told to bring it to our terminal yard and drop it....
I got on the TRB but I won't be going out until tomorrow....
February 4, 2012
February 4, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Tuesday-Monrovia, Indiana)
I woke up at 4 AM EST and walked around for a few minutes. I did my vehicle inspection and paperwork. Was moving west on I-40 and entered Illinois. Stopped at our fuelstop in Effingham(Illinois)at 6 AM CST and had the breakfast bar(had to wait awhile for them to set it up). I was in the restaurant nearly 2 hours: waiting, eating and talking.
Left for Joplin, Missouri and went through St. Louis and ended up on I-44 southwest. Got to Joplin at 3 PM CST and had to go through the vehicle inspection bay.
The mechanics found a number of repairs I needed--including a water pump--and they called dispatch. They asked that I shut down for at least half a day as I told them I had a "hot" load. Dispatch instructed me to drop the loaded trailer and get the tractor fixed.
I watched my TV while I laid in my bunk while the mechanics fixed my tractor. I fall asleep and was snoring away as my day ended....
I woke up at 4 AM EST and walked around for a few minutes. I did my vehicle inspection and paperwork. Was moving west on I-40 and entered Illinois. Stopped at our fuelstop in Effingham(Illinois)at 6 AM CST and had the breakfast bar(had to wait awhile for them to set it up). I was in the restaurant nearly 2 hours: waiting, eating and talking.
Left for Joplin, Missouri and went through St. Louis and ended up on I-44 southwest. Got to Joplin at 3 PM CST and had to go through the vehicle inspection bay.
The mechanics found a number of repairs I needed--including a water pump--and they called dispatch. They asked that I shut down for at least half a day as I told them I had a "hot" load. Dispatch instructed me to drop the loaded trailer and get the tractor fixed.
I watched my TV while I laid in my bunk while the mechanics fixed my tractor. I fall asleep and was snoring away as my day ended....
February 3, 2012
February 3, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Monday-traveling in Michigan)
I got to my destination shortly after 1 AM EST and was allowed to park on the assembly plants property. At 6:30 AM EST I was woken by the security guard and told what dock to back up to. All the parts I was delivering were on racks and easily removed. I was unloaded and done by 7:30 AM EST.
When I called dispatched and reported I was ready for another load, they said to "call back in an hour". There were no truckstops near where I was so I drove 5 miles to the "76" truckstop where I found a Team from my company; there handles were "Pee Wee" and "Driver".
Pee Wee and Driver had been there 3 days because they had made a couple bad mistakes:
1--They decided to drive their tractor to a bar. If the law enforcement people want to, they can follow you to your tractor after you have just one drink and arrest you, after you start your engine, for operating a commercial vehicle under the influence. This could ruin your career...
2--They parked behind the bar--to hide the tractor--and found a dead female in the snow. They chose to leave the scene without notifing the police. Someone saw them and the police chased them down and took DNA samples from them. They were cleared after three days of waiting.
I called dispatch about the fourth time to find I had a load to pick up in Flint, Michigan going to Oklahoma City. Went to Flint after I finished breakfast. Got to the steering gear plant and was loaded shortly after I got there. The load was not that heavy(29,568 lbs) so the ride wasn't bad at all. I headed down(southwest) I-69 to Lansing, an around it. I-69 wasn't hooked up with Lansing yet. Stayed on I-69 into Indiana and through Indianapolis on I-70. Went I-70 westbound to our fuel stop in Monrovia(Indiana) at 7 PM EST. I decided to send the night there and did...
I got to my destination shortly after 1 AM EST and was allowed to park on the assembly plants property. At 6:30 AM EST I was woken by the security guard and told what dock to back up to. All the parts I was delivering were on racks and easily removed. I was unloaded and done by 7:30 AM EST.
When I called dispatched and reported I was ready for another load, they said to "call back in an hour". There were no truckstops near where I was so I drove 5 miles to the "76" truckstop where I found a Team from my company; there handles were "Pee Wee" and "Driver".
Pee Wee and Driver had been there 3 days because they had made a couple bad mistakes:
1--They decided to drive their tractor to a bar. If the law enforcement people want to, they can follow you to your tractor after you have just one drink and arrest you, after you start your engine, for operating a commercial vehicle under the influence. This could ruin your career...
2--They parked behind the bar--to hide the tractor--and found a dead female in the snow. They chose to leave the scene without notifing the police. Someone saw them and the police chased them down and took DNA samples from them. They were cleared after three days of waiting.
I called dispatch about the fourth time to find I had a load to pick up in Flint, Michigan going to Oklahoma City. Went to Flint after I finished breakfast. Got to the steering gear plant and was loaded shortly after I got there. The load was not that heavy(29,568 lbs) so the ride wasn't bad at all. I headed down(southwest) I-69 to Lansing, an around it. I-69 wasn't hooked up with Lansing yet. Stayed on I-69 into Indiana and through Indianapolis on I-70. Went I-70 westbound to our fuel stop in Monrovia(Indiana) at 7 PM EST. I decided to send the night there and did...
February 2, 2012
February 2, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Sunday-Taylor, Michigan)
Was up early but found that me getting out today was far from reality. Sat around the terminal and did the regular stuff: talk, type and watch TV...
Layed down a 5 PM EST and was gotten up by dispatch at 10 PM EST as they had a load for me. They wanted me to take a load of auto parts to a factory at Saginaw(Michigan). It was only two hours to Saginaw so I hooked up to the trailer, got fuel(121 gallons), and updated my paperwork. I took off up I-75 at 11 PM EST. Traveling and getting close to Flint, Michigan as my day ended...
Was up early but found that me getting out today was far from reality. Sat around the terminal and did the regular stuff: talk, type and watch TV...
Layed down a 5 PM EST and was gotten up by dispatch at 10 PM EST as they had a load for me. They wanted me to take a load of auto parts to a factory at Saginaw(Michigan). It was only two hours to Saginaw so I hooked up to the trailer, got fuel(121 gallons), and updated my paperwork. I took off up I-75 at 11 PM EST. Traveling and getting close to Flint, Michigan as my day ended...
February 1, 2012
February 1, 1992, 2012
FIRST 5 YEARS:(Saturday-Lake Station, Indiana)
Woke up from a bunk's full of sleep at 7:15 AM CST and was in the truckstop restaurant having breakfast by 7:30 AM CST. Filled up at the barfet, and was heading for the Taylor(Detroit) terminal by 8:45 AM CST.
Followed I-94 into Michigan and onto the Detroit area. Got the the terminal at 1:30 PM EST. I took my paperwork into dispatch to be prepared for Canada and was told to drop the trailer in the trailer yard. They had no delivery time for my load and since it was just empty racks there was no rush for it.
Spent the day and evening at the terminal talking and typing.....exciting????
Woke up from a bunk's full of sleep at 7:15 AM CST and was in the truckstop restaurant having breakfast by 7:30 AM CST. Filled up at the barfet, and was heading for the Taylor(Detroit) terminal by 8:45 AM CST.
Followed I-94 into Michigan and onto the Detroit area. Got the the terminal at 1:30 PM EST. I took my paperwork into dispatch to be prepared for Canada and was told to drop the trailer in the trailer yard. They had no delivery time for my load and since it was just empty racks there was no rush for it.
Spent the day and evening at the terminal talking and typing.....exciting????
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